Turkmenistan
Sources of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia/Organised corruption
The state exerts strict control in order to avoid the emergence of any independent economic, social or cultural groups - which includes churches. All unregistered religious activity is illegal and the government uses the ‘Council on Religious Affairs’, police and the secret services to keep the church under surveillance. The frequency of raids, even on registered churches, has increased and obtaining registration is nearly impossible. Formal religious education is almost totally banned, as are all religious publications.
Pray:
For MBBs who face more problems than other Christians, including physical attacks
That government officials will be willing to register churches
Give thanks that Pastor Ilmurad was released from prison in 2012; he must now report to the police each week.